J&K: Shopian School Protest Against ‘Unlawful Entity’ Notification Under UAPA

Students and teachers of an educational institution in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir staged a peaceful protest march on Thursday against the government’s decision to declare it an “unlawful entity” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) , officials said.

The protesters from Dar Ul Uloom Jamia Siraj Ul Uloom marched from the institute to the office of the Deputy Commissioner/District Magistrate, carrying placards reading “save our future” and “open our school”. They also raised slogans asserting that education is a fundamental right, and demanded immediate withdrawal of the notification.

The institution has been declared unlawful based on an order issued by the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Anshul Garg , on April 24. The order was reportedly prepared on the basis of a dossier submitted by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Shopian, which cited alleged “credible inputs and evidence” suggesting sustained and covert linkages with Jamaat-e-Islami .

The Jamaat-e-Islami , a socio-religious organisation, was banned by the Government of India in 2019 under the UAPA for alleged activities considered prejudicial to national security and integrity. Under the Act, authorities can declare organisations or institutions “unlawful” if they are suspected of engaging in activities that threaten sovereignty, promote extremism, or maintain links with banned groups.

The administration has not issued further public clarification beyond the order, while political parties and local groups have criticised the move, calling for a review and withdrawal of the notification, citing concerns over its impact on education and students.

The protest remained peaceful, officials confirmed.